Clinton High Wins Academic Competition at Mississippi College

March 11, 2009

Subjects from literature to mathematics popped up as Clinton High's team won the 26th annual Mississippi Academic Competition on the Mississippi College campus.

Clinton High defeated Madison Central High in the finals Tuesday at MC's Learning Resources Center.

The same Clinton team finished in fourth place in the competition at MC a year ago and stepped up its game. "We prepared a little more," said Matthew Warren, 17, a CHS senior and the team captain.

There were 52 teams signed up statewide, including Jackson Prep, Northwest Rankin and Wesson. The competition began in November. The MC Office of Continuing Education sponsored the event.

Debbie Norris, the MC graduate school dean and vice president for planning and assessment, joined the Clinton High team for the trophy presentation.

Joining Warren, other members of the winning squad from Clinton included Saige Merrick, Rikeen Patel, Michael Harper, Stephen Leavelle and Rohan Khatkhate. Leavelle, a 17-year-old junior, is the son of MC mathematics professor Tommy Leavelle.

Some of the seniors with the top four teams may become eligible for MC scholarships, school officials say.

Pictured: Clinton High academic team and Dr. Debbie Norris, Mississippi College graduate school dean and vice president for planning and assessment.